अस्तबल

by Nilotpal Mrinal, Hindi Yugm

अस्तबल में नीलोत्पल मृणाल नए मुखर्जी नगर की वास्तविक झलक दिखाते हैं, जहाँ UPSC की तैयारी का सपना अब गहरी खाई में डूब चुका है। CSAT के नए पैटर्न ने पुराने हिंदी माध्यम के छात्रों को जैसे खारिज़ कर दिया है। पुराने धुरंधर कहते हैं, “हमसे ना हो पाएगा।” नए बांकुरे, जैसे रोहन त्रिवेदी, रेड बुल के घूँट के साथ जवाब देते हैं, “हमसे ही होगा!” यहाँ की लड़कियाँ चौखट लाँघकर अपना हक़ छीनने आई हैं। दूसरी तरफ PCS के जाल में फँसी पुरानी पीढ़ी, शादी-ब्याह के दबाव में घुटती जा रही है। अस्तबल इन्हीं संघर्षों का इमानदार दस्तावेज़ है।

Audible Audio

Published December 2, 2024

About the author

Born in 1984 in Santhal Paragana, a remote area of ​​Jharkhand, Nilotpal Mrinal has already established himself among the readers and literary intellectuals with his first novel 'Dark Horse'. Nilotpal, originally hails from Bihar, is also active in political and social activities for the last several years after completing his education from St. Xavier's College, Ranchi. Along with playing a special role in student movements, Mrinal has already reached to TV platform in the field of folk music. These days, he's also trying his luck in poet-concerts and gaining popularity.

Reviews

[S.Ach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is it just me or the AI or there is suddenly a lot of focus on UPSC aspirants all around?
TVF's Aspirants, 12th Fail, Bassi's UPSC Preparation, and Nilotpal Mrinal's Dark Horse - After these, and of course, watching several lectures of Divyakriti Sir, my timeline is now full of videos, books and podcast recommendations involving UPSC preparation. This considering I have never prepared for being a civil servant, nor anyone in my close circuit achieving that feat. UPSC is one of the toughest examinations to crack in the world, and there are many many aspirants who spend a major part of their youth chasing that dream of supreme bureaucratic power, sadly in vain.
In the first novel that I read of Nilotpal Mrinal - Dark Horse, tells such a tale in such an engrossing manner, that it became my instant favourite. And, I vowed to listen to all audio contribution by the author. Astabal, cashes in the success of Dark Horse, but sadly falls short, may be because of repetition of similar scenes. It has its moments though. I think, Mrinal is a better narrator than author.

[Nitin Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

अस्तबल by Nilotpal Mrinal is an amazing book, highly recommended for Hindi-speaking readers and listeners, especially those with a connection to North India or familiarity with the UPSC preparation culture in Mukherjee Nagar.

The book captures the essence of the struggles, aspirations, and challenges faced by individuals navigating societal pressures and personal ambitions. The dialogues are so impactful and diverse that they feel ready-made for a cinematic adaptation, adding depth and relatability to the narrative.

One of the standout aspects of the book is its narration. Nilotpal Mrinal, narrating the story himself, brings wit, grit, and sarcasm alive, making the experience thoroughly enjoyable and engaging. The story is masterfully crafted—well-begun, seamlessly developed, and concluded with finesse.

For those who appreciate authentic storytelling with humor and realism, अस्तबल is a must-read or listen.

[Aakash saini · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another UPSC story average book but shows reality of students how they burn there youth oeak in mukherjee Nagar in hope kf becoming an ias

[Tanvi Agarwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A humorous tale exploring the struggles of students pursuing civil services